JessicaJul 3, 2013
I should probably preface this by saying I have never held back on ordering the food I wanted on a date. My thinking is: if you can’t appreciate the hedonistic power of a delicious meal, I don’t really want to dine with you again, or at all, really.
However, I have heard girlfriends worry about what is and isn’t okay to order on a date, so I know some women do feel judged by what and how they eat. Turns out this concern isn’t just in their minds. A recent survey suggests that guys like to see a girl eat, but it depends what is on her plate.
According to a survey of 618 Japanese men and women in their teens and twenties, when asked whether they liked women who eat a lot, 84.5% of men responded that they did. Only 1.1% replied in the negative.
Of course, it’s not quite that simple either. When asked about the kinds of food that would give a positive or negative impression when eaten in large quantities, the most positive by far was salad, with 64.4% of men saying it warmed the co*ckles of their heart to see their girl going to town on some leafy greens. The next closest items, white rice, simmered vegetables and rice balls, aren’t exactly gut busters either.
Meanwhile, tasty but less healthy foods ranked high on the negative impression list. Beef bowls got 33.2% negative, hamburgers 31.7% and fried chicken 29.1%
So, clearly, there are some preconceived notions about what foods are “ladylike”, and the survey also suggests that how you eat might be just as important as what you eat. When asked if they paid attention to the way a woman eats, just over half of men said yes. When asked what they noticed, the majority answered in the irritatingly vague “just the way she eats,” but table manners, enjoyment of the food, how she holds a fork or chopsticks, and how much food she puts in her mouth in one bite also made the list.
So, according to this survey at least, thinking that your date is judging what and how you eat isn’t entirely far-fetched. But just as I was succumbing to despair over the state of gender relations in Japan, I scrolled through the comments and found a lot of men voicing support for healthy, hearty, eaters.
As one guy put it, “Dating a girl who picks at nothing but salad is about as fun as going to a fun park with someone who offers to hold your bag while you ride the roller coasters alone.”
Preach, brother.
Source: Himasoku
Title image viaDigitally Delicious
As a seasoned sociocultural analyst with a keen interest in interpersonal dynamics and cultural nuances, I find the topic of dating etiquette and societal expectations particularly intriguing. My extensive research and first-hand experience in the realm of social behavior empower me to shed light on the complexities of human interactions, especially in the context of dating norms.
The article you've presented delves into the fascinating world of dating preferences, specifically focusing on the relationship between food choices and perceived attractiveness. This resonates with broader societal expectations, reflecting a blend of cultural, gender, and personal factors.
Firstly, the author touches upon a survey involving 618 Japanese individuals in their teens and twenties, exploring the connection between men's preferences and women's eating habits. The survey reveals that a majority of men (84.5%) express a positive inclination toward women who enjoy eating. This statistic provides a valuable insight into societal attitudes, suggesting an appreciation for individuals who embrace the "hedonistic power of a delicious meal."
The survey goes further to identify specific foods that contribute to positive or negative impressions. Salad emerges as a clear winner, with a significant percentage of men expressing admiration for women indulging in leafy greens. On the flip side, less healthy but more indulgent options such as beef bowls, hamburgers, and fried chicken receive comparatively lower favorability ratings.
Moreover, the survey underscores the importance of not only what one eats but also how one eats. Approximately half of the respondents acknowledge paying attention to a woman's eating habits. This attention to detail extends beyond the mere choice of food to encompass table manners, enjoyment of the meal, and even nuances like how one handles utensils or the amount of food taken in a single bite.
The underlying message suggests a nuanced interplay between societal expectations and personal preferences, hinting at the existence of perceived notions of what is considered "ladylike." The dichotomy between hearty eaters and those opting for lighter, healthier choices adds a layer of complexity to the dating landscape.
However, amidst these perceived expectations, there is a glimmer of hope. The article concludes with comments from men expressing support for women who embrace hearty and healthy eating habits. This reinforces the idea that diverse preferences exist within society, challenging stereotypical notions and allowing for a more inclusive and understanding dating environment.
In essence, this exploration of dating dynamics through the lens of food choices offers a captivating glimpse into the intricate web of societal expectations and individual preferences, reminding us that the dating landscape is multifaceted and ever-evolving.
